Is it me?

[Shaker]

As I was saying in #18 ...

[Rhiannon]

Depends if someone is an aggressive, abusive drunk. If so then the effects of that person’s drinking on others actually becomes crucial.

[Shaker]

Depends if someone is an aggressive, abusive drunk. If so then the effects of that person’s drinking on others actually becomes crucial.

And if they're not, they can absolutely delightful.

[floo]

Too much alcohol can cause serious liver problems.

[Nearly Sane]

And if they're not, they can absolutely delightful.

So if soneone beats someone up, that's balanced by you enjoying some one else's capering?


Where does one procure your obviously very precise Felicific Calculator?

[Nearly Sane]

Too much alcohol can cause serious liver problems.

Driving kills people every day.

[Shaker]

So if soneone beats someone up, that's balanced by you enjoying some one else's capering?

Yes. Especially my own. You may recall that Rhiannon said: "Depends if someone is an aggressive, abusive drunk. If so then the effects of that person’s drinking on others actually becomes crucial," which is obviously true. What I said was equally obviously true. Since I'm not an aggressive and abusive drunk, nor do I know anyone who is, I don't see what the behaviour of those who are has to do with me or why it should impact on my non-aggressive and non-abusive enjoyment. I'm responsible for my behaviour, not somebody else's.

[Rhiannon]

Because the ‘isn’t drinking fun’ culture encourages the excesses of the abusive drunks, maybe?

True story: doctors says to a man, you deserve a drink tonight. Man gets drunk, abuses wife and kids, says it’s ok, the doctor told him drinking’s fine.

[Shaker]

Because the ‘isn’t drinking fun’ culture encourages the excesses of the abusive drunks, maybe?

True story: doctors says to a man, you deserve a drink tonight. Man gets drunk, abuses wife and kids, says it’s ok, the doctor told him drinking’s fine.

Drinking is fun. It's supposed to be. That's what it's for. Since a majority of the population drink alcohol in some form and to some extent, and since the vast majority of that majority manage to do so without causing a nuisance to others, I'm not seeing much mileage in the argument from marginal cases.

In your true story, what's the problem - the drinking or the abusive behaviour? Because most manage the former without the latter. Going by the age-old principle of in vino veritas (i.e. drinking may bring out what's already there rather than creates what isn't) the problem with abusive drunks is that they're abusive dicks and likely to be so drunk or sober or any point in between. Between the abusive drunk and the equally abusive teetotaller, what's the latter's excuse?

[Sebastian Toe]

Driving kills people every day.

..ban it I say, ban it!

[Shaker]

..ban it I say, ban it!

et cetera, ad very much nauseam in today's nannyish world, unfortunately 

[Sebastian Toe]

et cetera, ad very much nauseam in today's nannyish world, unfortunately 

..oooh and Latin. Ban that also. 

[Shaker]

Yes, likely so, probably on the grounds that it discriminates against and causes psychological trauma and emotional damage to thick kids, no doubt.

[Robbie]

People who are not naturally aggressive can become very aggressive after too much drink. They can also be reckless and act stupidly which could be dangerous for them if not for anyone else, make complete fools of themselves saying whatever comes into their mind, embarrassing everyone around them.  Drinking to excess is not fun, it takes experience to know your limits.

A little alcohol is relaxing. Some don't know when to stop.

[Aruntraveller]

It is a thorny issue this one of alcohol, although it is not restricted to that one substance.

I have very mixed feelings on it. As I posted earlier intoxication to a certain level has provided some very good times. I don't even know where to begin a story about a Warsaw gay club and an Italian, an American and a Polish man and me. And before the sniggerers at the back of the classroom start it wasn't that sort of encounter. However it finished with us watching  the sun come up whilst sat in Lazienki Park drinking vodka and smelling roses.

How much music was/is written under the influence of drugs of various kinds. Literature, the arts in general do use drugs as a tool to further creativity, are they right to do so because it might be bad for them?

But, I am conflicted. On another post I wrote about the stresses alcohol consumption places on society, in particular on the NHS. I don't know what the answer is - but I do know that banning it isn't the answer.

[Robbie]

Very thoughtful post Trent and you're right that banning is not the answer. Can you not just imagine the black market and private parties that would go on if alcohol was banned (?might be fun?). We have enough of that already with illegal drugs.

Drinking responsibility and occasionally is fine, there would be no problems if everyone did that. There is a school of thought that introducing a little alcohol to children with dinner teaches them to drink responsibly because they see it as just part of normal life. I don't know about that, plenty of adults don't drink with their dinner regularly, maybe only if they have friends round. It's a difficult one.

The description of your youthful experiences was hilarious, happy memories too. I had some.  The problem is when people are still getting wasted in middle age!

[Owlswing]

Very thoughtful post Trent and you're right that banning is not the answer. Can you not just imagine the black market and private parties that would go on if alcohol was banned (?might be fun?). We have enough of that already with illegal drugs.

Drinking responsibility and occasionally is fine, there would be no problems if everyone did that. There is a school of thought that introducing a little alcohol to children with dinner teaches them to drink responsibly because they see it as just part of normal life. I don't know about that, plenty of adults don't drink with their dinner regularly, maybe only if they have friends round. It's a difficult one.

The description of your youthful experiences was hilarious, happy memories too. I had some.  The problem is when people are still getting wasted in middle age!

You only have to look back about 100 years to the U S and Prohibition to see what is likley yp happen if any form of Prohibition is introduced to the UK - especially in Scotland!

[Robbie]

I can imagine tea parties - maybe in garages - could be fun, Owlswing? Especially if music is good.
I'm a bit old at 57 for that sort of thing & have no financial interest but have no doubt, when something is forbidden, it is seen as glamourous!

I hadn't had a drink for more than two weeks, had digestive upset.  Ended now!  Hic, cheers Owly!

[Owlswing]

I can imagine tea parties - maybe in garages - could be fun, Owlswing? Especially if music is good.
I'm a bit old at 57 for that sort of thing & have no financial interest but have no doubt, when something is forbidden, it is seen as glamourous!

I hadn't had a drink for more than two weeks, had digestive upset.  Ended now!  Hic, cheers Owly!

A bit old at 57

You're only a babe, I'm 71 and there are some older than that on here, though I'm not sure they will be happy to supply details!

I hadn't had a drink for more than two weeks

You lucky bugger! I haven't had a proper drink for 20 years! I'm diabetic and am only "allowed" a sip at each of the 21 regular rituals.